Debut Delight as Hills United Hold Champions Bulls

Hills United secured a valuable point in their debut match in the National Premier Leagues Women’s NSW competition, drawing 1-1 with reigning Champions Bulls FC Academy at Valentine Sports Park on Sunday evening.

The visitors struck first midway through the opening half when Claudia Valletta finished at the back post after a well-worked move, giving the Bulls a deserved lead following a strong start in which they applied early pressure through several corners and attacking passages without seriously testing Madeleine Iro.

Hills’ first real opportunity arrived after a rare error from Bulls goalkeeper Nicole Simonsen, though Erin Tavares was unable to direct her effort on target. Olivia Vanderlaan then had a promising chance for the Bulls in the 18th minute, finding space on the edge of the area before pulling her shot narrowly wide of the far post.

The breakthrough soon followed as Chelsea Harpur delivered a precise cross from the right that Valletta slid in to convert, sending the Bulls into the break with a deserved advantage.

The champions again controlled large periods of the second half but struggled to produce a decisive final pass to extend their lead, leaving Hills within striking distance.

The hosts made their chance count with less than ten minutes remaining when substitutes combined effectively, Victoria Martin delivering a low cross from the right that Ellen Berios met before curling a composed finish beyond Simonsen to level the scores. Bulls pushed late in search of a winner, with Vanderlaan forcing a strong save from Iro, but Hills held firm to claim their first point in the top tier.

Match Stats
HILLS UNITED: 1 (Berios 81’)
BULLS FC ACADEMY: 1 (Valletta 23’)

Sunday 8th March
Valentine Sports Park, Glenwood

HILLS UNITED: 2. Iro, 3. Davidson, 4. Hogan (6. Hastie), 10. Galayini (9. Berios), 11. Casha, 14. Cemazar (36. Morris), 15. Buchanan (12. Murdoch), 17. Sloan, 18. Tavares, 25. Garrett, 39. Johns (5. Martin).
Substitutes not used: 1. Simmons, 32. Burns.
Yellow Cards: Hogan
Red Cards: Nil

BULLS FC ACADEMY: 61. Simonsen, 2. Phillips, 4. Ferris, 6. Hogarth-Scott, 8. Valletta, 9. Harpur (3. Hawkins), 11. Naemi, 12. Meli, 13. Vanderlaan, 1. Henebery, 17. Surjan (7. Furia).
Substitutes not used: 1. Hughes, 15. Franklin, 16. Noakes, 18. Errichiello.
Yellow Cards: Nil
Red Cards: Nil

-By Nikola Pozder